Countryside Management Service

We have a number of leafleted walks that are aimed at beginners or those walking specifically to improve their health. Find one in your area and give it a go.

The Countryside Management Service (CMS) has been working with communities in Hertfordshire for 30 years, helping them to care for and enjoy the environment.

Ron calls it a day

In the 1980s in the early days of the guided walks programme now known as Walks & More, Ron Tarling was recruited to lead walks in the Hertford area.

More recently and with CMS support, Ron has run regular tasks for East Herts Ramblers members to improve public rights of way. After 27 years of active service for the group, Ron decided to retire and colleagues marked the occasion by erecting a bench to celebrate his work to make walking more popular and easier.

The new oak bench was supplied by the CMS and installed in February on a path from Park Road, Ware to Bengeo where there are fine views over the Lea Valley. The site was kindly made available by farmer Martin Hale. Ron thanked everyone who’d helped him with his work in a short speech. Nicholas Maddex of Hertfordshire County Council’s Rights of Way section commented 'We have much enjoyed working with Ron and would like to thank him for such long term commitment and enthusiasm'.

• East Herts Ramblers usually improve paths with the CMS on the second Tuesday of each month. Contact the secretary on 01799 541308.